Volunteers are gearing up for a marathon holiday event – the 12th Annual Christmas Feast at East Baptist Church in Gastonia.

Each year the church spearheads a project that provides a hot meal, groceries, clothing, blankets and Christmas gifts for the needy.

The event was the brainchild of Jeff Bryson, a member of the modest church located on Church Street a few blocks off of Franklin Boulevard.

The feeding program has grown in attendance and bounty, according to Tim Parker, pastor of East Baptist.

East Baptist starts working with other churches and businesses during the summer to pull off the feat.

The feast starts at 6 p.m. on Christmas Eve and runs 18 hours, wrapping up at noon on Christmas.

Last year more than 1,800 plates of food were served, and organizers expect more than 2,200 this year.

Parker, who’s been at each of the feasts, said the estimate is based on past attendance and the current economy.

The evening typically starts out with a full house. Attendance wanes overnight, with many of the visitors being on-duty emergency responders. But business picks right back up when the sun rises, he said.

Parker remembered one year when a homeless man came; he noticed the piano and asked to play. The man quickly had volunteering teens from the church fully enamored.

Parker said he’s most moved when he sees families come to the feast.

“There have been families who have come for a number of years. They’re so grateful,” he said. “It breaks your heart, but on the other hand you say, ‘Hey, that’s why we’re doing this.’”

Volunteers assembled Thursday morning to bag groceries that will be distributed during the event.

Bryson estimates that $10,000 worth of groceries, clothing and toys will be given away.

Cooks will fire up stoves at the church at 3 a.m. on Christmas Eve and man the kitchen until go-time.

Parker said it’ll be a bustling time at the church. Each event has fed more people than the previous year.

Parker is quick to say that the church offers its facility for the event, but hundreds of volunteers from various churches and businesses make it happen.

“Everybody who does it, they do it because they love it, and they’re doing it for the Lord,” said Parker.

You can reach reporter Diane Turbyfill at 704-869-1817 and twitter.com/GazetteDiane.

Want to go?

What: Annual Christmas Feast

Where: East Baptist Church, 114 N. Church St.

Details: For homeless, needy and emergency services workers. Each person who comes gets a meal, a ticket for groceries and two toys per child.